Sandra Oh to make National Theatre debut in The Misanthrope, with further cast confirmed

A new adaptation of The Misanthrope will run this summer at the National Theatre.

Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh will make her National Theatre debut in the production, appearing alongside Paul Chahidi and Abigail Cruttenden.

The play is adapted by Martin Crimp, whose recent work includes Cyrano de Bergerac, and directed by Indhu Rubasingham. Written in contemporary verse, the adaptation reworks Molière’s play to examine private relationships and public debate in a modern context, with the central figure of Alceste reimagined – in this version, the story centres on Alice, a novelist who rejects what she sees as empty expressions of kindness and respect.

It will run in the National’s Lyttelton theatre from 16 June to 1 August. The creative team includes set and costume designer Robert Jones, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, sound designer Alexander Caplen, voice coach Jeannette Nelson, associate director Gitika Buttoo and associate set and costume designer Ethan Cheek.

The production will have a press night on 23 June, with further casting yet to be announced.

See the rest of the 2026 season.